Stavir is a capsule that contains 40 mg of Stavudine (d4T), an antiretroviral medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children.
Composition:
- Stavudine: 40 mg
- Capsule shell: gelatin, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide
Mechanism of Action:
Stavir works by inhibiting the activity of HIV reverse transcriptase, an enzyme necessary for the virus to replicate. Stavudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that is converted into its active form, d4TMP, which is then incorporated into the viral DNA, terminating the chain and preventing the virus from replicating.
Uses:
Stavir is used to treat HIV infection in adults and children. It is recommended for patients who have not previously received antiretroviral therapy or who have failed other antiretroviral regimens.
Dosage:
The recommended dosage of Stavir is one capsule twice daily, taken with food.
Side Effects:
Common side effects of Stavir include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Increased blood lipids
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in the blood)
Recommendation:
Stavir should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Patients should be monitored regularly for liver function tests, lipid profiles, and glucose levels.
Important Note:
- Stavir is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver disease (Child-Pugh C).
- Patients with pre-existing kidney disease should be monitored closely for signs of kidney damage or toxicity.
- Patients taking other medications, including antiretroviral agents, may be at risk for interactions with Stavir.
- The safety and efficacy of Stavir in pregnant or lactating women have not been established.
- Stavir is not recommended for use in children under 3 months of age.
- Patients should be counseled on the importance of taking concomitant therapy as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
- Patients should be monitored for neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Key Advantages:
- Effective in combination with other antiretroviral agents to suppress HIV replication
- Can be used in combination with other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
- Has been shown to reduce the risk of AIDS-defining illnesses and death in patients with HIV infection
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